“That’s all right,” said the king; and, reëntering the palace, he ordered Jikki to make preparations to receive the witch-queen and her retinue.
“‘THE SAILORMAN IS FOUND!’ HE SHOUTED.”
When Zixi came to the city gates she found General Tollydob, in a gorgeous new uniform, waiting to escort her to the palace. The houses were gay with flags and streamers; bands were playing; and on each side of the street along which the witch-queen rode were lines of soldiers to keep the way clear of the crowding populace.
Behind the queen came the sailorman, carefully guarded by Zixi’s most trusted soldiers. He looked uneasy at so great a reception, and rode his horse as awkwardly as a sailor might.
So the cavalcade came to the palace, which was thronged with courtiers and ladies in waiting.
Zixi and the sailorman were ushered into the great throne room, where King Bud, wearing his ermine robe and jeweled crown, sat gravely upon his throne, with Princess Fluff beside him.
“Your Majesty,” began the witch-queen, bowing prettily, “I have brought you the sailorman at last. He has just returned from his voyage, and my soldiers captured him at his mother’s cottage by the mill. But he refuses to give the necktie to any one except the Princess Fluff.”
“I am the Princess Fluff,” said Meg to the sailor; “and your necktie is part of my magic cloak. So please give it back to me.”
The sailor shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.